Mātanga Oranga
Mātanga Oranga has continued to provide kaupapa Māori, trauma-informed care during a year shaped by both challenge and growth. While the team has been working across two locations, creating real pressure on team connection and day-to-day rapport, the service has still seen encouraging outcomes for whānau and kaimahi.
Members of the Mātanga Oranga team
A key highlight has been seeing former and current clients take significant steps forward in their healing journeys. Five clients are now engaged in degree-level study, and several have stopped using drugs. These outcomes speak strongly to the hope, resilience, and restoration that can grow through sustained, culturally grounded support.
Five clients are now engaged in degree-level study.
The team has also experienced important internal developments. Tillie Lima graduated with a Master’s degree with honours, and Mātanga Oranga’s work was published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy. A new staff member has joined the Historical Claims contract, Louise Graham has moved from the Mana Tiaki contract into Historical Claims, and the service has welcomed a new clinical manager.
Looking ahead, the focus is on strengthening team cohesion while continuing to grow referral pathways. Increasing community referrals and self-referrals will help ensure more people can access support when they need it.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Mātanga Oranga can celebrate meaningful progress: whānau are moving toward study, sobriety, healing, and a more hopeful future.
